Zambia’s commercial and industrial energy users are navigating an increasingly complex power environment. Shaped by rising demand, national grid constraints, changing market rules, and relentless pressure to secure reliable, affordable electricity, the challenge for the country’s economic engines is no longer whether to diversify their energy supply, but how.
For major manufacturers, sprawling mines, and other large-scale energy consumers, the focus has shifted toward blending utility power with electricity traders, embedded generation, energy storage, and regional markets. This multifaceted approach is critical to protecting daily operations and supporting long-term, sustainable growth. These exact priorities will be dissected at the upcoming C&I Energy + Storage Summit Zambia, created by VUKA Group and scheduled for September 22-23, 2026, at the Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka. For executives navigating this transition and looking for African business analysis, the summit represents a crucial touchpoint for market intelligence.
Liberalizing Zambia’s Power Market
Zambia’s electricity market is currently undergoing a process of liberalization that could create unprecedented procurement opportunities for large-scale users. However, the success of these options—and their ability to deliver genuine energy security—will depend heavily on practical implementation. Open access frameworks, wheeling regulations, tariff designs, grid access, and transmission capacity will all dictate how quickly local businesses can secure electricity from alternative suppliers.
To unpack these regulatory shifts, senior representatives from ZESCO, the Energy Regulation Board (ERB), and the Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) are expected to lead discussions on market reform, essential grid investment, and the evolving role of traditional utilities. Confirmed speakers include Emmanuel Kanchebele of the Association of Power Companies, economist Kelvin Chisanga, Nyankutowa M. Chilanga of Chilanga Cement, Muntanga Lindunda of the Zambia Association of Manufacturers, and Dr. Chilala Kakoma-Boma of the Kafue Gorge Regional Training Centre.
Unsurprisingly, Zambia’s mining sector will remain central to the dialogue. Mining and industrial operations inherently require stable, high-volume electricity, making power reliability an existential commercial priority. As large energy users increasingly look toward traders and self-generation to support their utility supply, they must also carefully manage the new regulatory, technical, and contractual risks these hybrid models introduce.
The Challenge of Bankability and Financing
While the technical solutions are available, financing remains a significant barrier to the widespread deployment of commercial and industrial energy projects. Developers and energy users must unequivocally demonstrate project bankability to secure capital. This requires credible off-takers, legally defensible Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), realistic revenue models, and appropriate risk allocation.
The summit will feature critical financing discussions led by industry experts including Pizzaro Lukhanda (African Trade & Investment Development Insurance), Sarah Siliya (GuarantCo), Liana Braxton (Sosimple Energy), Doreen Chipika Bwalya (UNIDO), and Chikoma Kazunga (Africa GreenCo). A highly anticipated case study from Zambia Sugar—presented by Joseph Nsofwa—will share practical lessons from the company’s embedded generation expansion, detailing its impact on costs, reliability, and available capacity.
Furthermore, energy efficiency will be a prominent theme. Industrial users can drastically reduce their exposure to rising electricity costs through targeted process optimization, digital monitoring, and robust energy management systems. For international investors, tech providers, and project developers traveling to Lusaka for the event, consulting reliable African travel guides is recommended for a seamless business trip. Ultimately, securing Zambia’s industrial future relies on building an energy landscape that is as flexible and resilient as the businesses it powers.
